Category Archives: Parents

Free tutorials available for students needing to retake STAAR exams 

High school students who need to retake one or more STAAR End of Course Exams have unlimited access to free online tutorials that can help them master the concepts and learning objectives that are challenging them.

STAAR EOC retest exams for English I and II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History will be given Dec. 5-9.  Students can start preparing for these exams with Apex Learning Tutorials, a districtwide, online resource that allows students to customize their learning to the style they prefer.

A pre-test for each topic is available to help retesters focus on the skills and topics they need to master. The tutorials also offer interactive paths in each topic, such as “Learn it – Try it – Review it – Test it.”

Students can look up their campus code here and enroll themselves in the tutorials.  A “how-to” guide is available here to walk students through the process.

In addition to STAAR EOCs, students can enroll themselves in any of the following classes:

  • College Readiness – TSI, ACT & SAT
  • Adapted English 6th – English III
  • Adapted Math 6th – Algebra II

Questions can be directed to the HISD Virtual School Department at 713-556-7295 or emailed to vschool@houstonisd.org.

Superintendent takes questions from HISD community during Virtual Listen & Learn broadcasts 

Superintendent Richard Carranza wrapped up his Listen & Learn Tour on Monday night with two virtual sessions in both English and Spanish, which were streamed live on HISD-TV, the district’s website, and Facebook.

Topics included the issue of recapture and how the state’s current school funding structure is affecting the district, equity, dual language programs, fine arts access, serving the whole child, standardized testing, special education, and what the superintendent is looking for in future district leaders.

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52 schools take on Family Friendly Schools Challenge

The Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE) is welcoming 52 HISD campuses into its Family Friendly Schools Program for the 2016-2017 school year – twice the number of campuses from the previous school year.

Through a series of research-based activities and strategies to expand and build relationships with families, link family events to student learning, build parent capacity and support efforts for parent empowerment, schools have an opportunity to earn a star toward one of three Family Friendly School Certification levels: Continue reading →

Gifted and Talented parent information sessions

Is your child Gifted and Talented? And if so, where should you send them to school?

HISD’s Advanced Academics department is offering two parent-information sessions on Gifted and Talented, often referred to as simply G/T, at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support, 4400 W. 18th Street, 77092, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.

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Telemundo, Chick-fil-A want to recognize outstanding HISD teachers

Know an outstanding teacher who deserves kudos and free Chick-fil-A? Then nominate them for Telemundo/Chick-fil-A’s Teacher of the Month program.

The partnership seeks to recognize HISD educators who inspire their students, are involved in the community, and routinely go above and beyond in the classroom.  Continue reading →

Back-to-school events and resources for parents 

Getting ready for the first day of school? There are a number of events and resources available to ensure children are ready for the new school year:

HISD Homeless Education Office Back-to-School Extravaganza

Free backpacks, school supplies, shoes, health screenings, and immunization for low-income HISD families, not just the homeless. Students must bring their shot records to get free immunizations. The Houston Food Bank will distribute fresh produce to families. Noon to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, at Bethel’s Empowerment Center, 12660 Sandpiper Dr., Houston 77035.  Continue reading →

Families Encouraged to Complete Application for HISD’s Free and Reduced Price Meals Program

Application available online and at all HISD campuses for 2016-17 academic year

The Houston Independent School District announced its policy today for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the attached current income eligibility guidelines. Each school/site or the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone on request.

Starting on Aug. 22, 2016, the Houston Independent School District will begin distributing letters to the households of the children in the district about eligibility benefits and any actions households need to take to apply for these benefits. Applications also are available at the HISD Nutrition Services Support Facility and all HISD schools.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner’s 2016 Back to School Fest to take place in mid-August

Mayor’s Sylvester Turner’s Back to School Fest is a great opportunity for Houston families to take advantage of an array of resources provided by the City of Houston and other sponsors.

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As in years past, only registered kindergarten through fifth-grade students will receive a backpack filled with school supplies. In addition, students can take advantage of free eye and ear examinations, vaccinations, and lessons in dental hygiene and health.

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District response to federal nondiscrimination guidance

The Houston Independent School District recognizes and respects each student’s right to an education experience that is free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Although HISD policy does not specifically address the issue of student restroom access, HISD Board policy does expressly prohibit discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, or on any other basis prohibited by law. When restroom access questions arise, campus administrators are counseled to make accommodations that are aligned with the letter and spirit of the district’s policy prohibiting student discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Wharton renovation, expansion plans presented to community; construction to start soon

Once construction is complete, the new Wharton Dual Language Academy will feature new learning spaces and labs, a new gym and library, an interior courtyard preserving heritage trees, and a grand, three-story, glass entryway.

Designs plans for the school’s renovation and new addition were detailed to nearly 100 Wharton parents and community members Thursday night during  community meeting at the Wharton campus.

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The project is part of the Houston Independent School District’s 2012 Bond Program, which calls for renovation or replacement of 40 schools across the district. Construction at Wharton is expected to start later this year, with the Montrose-area school expected to re-open its doors in fall of 2018.

The project will expand the school’s capacity up to 900 students and eliminate all the temporary buildings from the site.

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